Amazon Used Low-Carbon Aluminum in Ohio Data Center

The company integrated sustainable materials into its construction project to reduce supply chain emissions.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Data Centers

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of aluminum cable and steel beams, representing the integration of sustainable materials in infrastructure. — Amazon incorporated low-carbon aluminum produced by Rio Tinto into the construction of its new Ohio data center to reduce supply chain emissions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Amazon has utilized lower-carbon aluminum for the construction of an Ohio data center. The project, which involves Rio Tinto, Prysmian, and Wesco, marks a step toward the company's goal of reaching net-zero carbon operations by 2040.

Why it matters

The initiative targets Scope 3 emissions, which occur within a corporation's supply chain rather than through direct operations. By using ELYSIS technology, which produces aluminum via inert anodes and hydropower, the company seeks to decouple construction growth from traditional greenhouse gas outputs.

The project utilizes aluminum produced in Quebec using hydropower and ELYSIS smelting technology, which eliminates direct greenhouse gas emissions by replacing consumable carbon anodes with inert alternatives.

The players

Amazon

Amazon is a global technology company providing cloud computing services, e-commerce, and logistics.

Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a multinational mining and metals corporation that develops raw materials for industrial applications.

Prysmian

Prysmian is a manufacturer of electrical and telecommunications cable systems.

Wesco

Wesco is a provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services, and supply chain solutions.

The details

Rio Tinto supplies the aluminum, which is processed into cable by Prysmian and distributed by Wesco for the Ohio facility. This collaboration serves as a demonstration for the commercial application of low-emissions materials in large-scale infrastructure.

2028: Prysmian sustainability-linked revenue target deadline.
2040: Amazon net-zero carbon operations goal.

Roadmap

This project reflects the broader transition within the construction and tech sectors toward decarbonizing physical infrastructure. It signals a move where major developers prioritize sustainable procurement to align supply chain performance with long-term net-zero mandates.

While the project primarily affects supply chain logistics, it demonstrates a growing standard for sustainable material requirements in industrial construction. Buyers and local stakeholders may see increased pressure for similar green certification standards in future regional data center developments.

The takeaway

Using low-carbon alternatives in construction is becoming a vital strategy for companies aiming to reduce their total carbon footprint. This project highlights the shift toward demanding cleaner production methods from suppliers to meet climate targets.